Festival of Books and Arts at the JCC Indianapolis
Welcome to the 28th Annual Ann Katz Festival of Books & Arts, where stories, food, music, and ideas ignite connection and creativity. This year’s dynamic lineup features acclaimed authors, artists, filmmakers, performers, and culinary talent, all coming together to inspire our community. Thanks to the support of our generous sponsors, we invite you to explore, discover, and celebrate the power of books and the arts to bring people together.
Celebrate 28 years of The Ann Katz Festival of Books & Arts. Individual Tickets or your $54 Festival Pass and attend every event. Ticket available soon.
2026 Festival
The 2026 Ann Katz Festival of Books & Arts will be held Oct. 25-Nov. 17. See below for event descriptions, ticket sales, and how to stay informed. We look forward to seeing you there!
The JCC is committed to the arts and education and hosts a wide range of events throughout the year. To stay informed, please sign up for our emails. (Select “Arts Programs.”)
COMMUNITY GATHERING
Vecinos: A Latino and Jewish Celebration
Join us for an evening celebrating the connections between our Latino and Jewish communities through music, dance, art, food, and conversation. Performances and community remarks 4:45-6:30 pm.
Presented in partnership with Arte Mexicano en Indiana, Indiana Latino Expo, and the Indianapolis Jewish Community Relations Council.
AUTHOR TALK — FICTION
“Three Partisans” by Jean-Yves Pitoun
Drawing on his father’s experiences in the French Resistance, JY Pitoun crafts an epic WWII saga of three unlikely heroes. As danger closes in and loyalties are tested, friendship, love, and extraordinary bravery become their greatest weapons against impossible odds. A Jewish Book Council Program.
MODERATED CONVERSATION & AUTHOR TALK — NONFICTION
Justice and Judaism: A Fireside Chat with Sarah Hurwitz
@ Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation (6501 N. Meridian St.)
Former Obama speechwriter and bestselling author Sarah Hurwitz joins Rabbi Brett Krichiver and Cantor Aviva Marer for the 4th annual Justice and Judaism Fireside Chat. Drawing from her acclaimed books, Hurwitz explores Jewish identity, spirituality, and confronting antisemitism in today’s world. Book signing at 6:15 pm, program at 7 pm, VIP reception at 8 pm (available for purchase). Presented by The Herbert Simon Family Foundation & Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation.
BOOK LAUNCH & ART GALLERY RECEPTION
The Jews of India: A Tapestry of Story and Art with Rabbi Sandy Eisenberg Sasso and Siona Benjamin
Discover the legacy and traditions of the B’nei Israel of India through Rabbi Sasso and Benjamin’s new book, “Solly and the Elephant.” Gallery reception at 6 pm, Book Launch at 7 pm. Discussion moderated by J.R. Sandadi. Sponsored by Congregation Beth-El Zedeck in partnership with Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation and the Indianapolis Jewish Community Relations Council.
AUTHOR TALK — FICTION (THIS YEAR’S COMMUNITY READS SELECTION)
“Breathing Under Water” by Jacqueline Friedland
A Zibby Owens Most Anticipated Book of Summer 2026, this heartfelt novel follows two women facing family, financial, and personal challenges whose lives intersect through a teen with autism. A moving story of resilience, connection, and discovering that those who need saving can become saviors themselves. A Jewish Book Council Program.
AUTHOR TALK – MEMOIR
“A Time to Gather: How Ritual Created the World —and How It Can Save Us” by Bruce Feiler
In “A Time to Gather,” bestselling author Bruce Feiler explores how rituals shape our lives and communities. Blending global storytelling with practical insights, he reveals a growing ritual renaissance and offers inspiring ways to foster connection, belonging, and togetherness in an increasingly disconnected world. A Jewish Book Council Program.
AUTHOR TALK – NONFICTION
“The Vet Will See You Now: What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know (But Doesn’t)” by Dr. Barak Benaryeh
Part memoir, part pet-care guide, this entertaining behind-the-scenes look at veterinary medicine offers humorous, surprising, and heartfelt stories from Dr. Barak Benaryeh’s 35-year career. Packed with practical advice and unforgettable cases, it reveals what really happens on the other side of the exam-room door. A Jewish Book Council Program.
FILM SCREENING & PANEL DISCUSSION
“Looking Up”
Award-winning filmmaker Elena Neuman joins us for a screening of “Looking Up,” the inspiring true story of Eitan Armon, who pursues a climb of Yosemite’s El Capitan despite progressive vision loss. This uplifting documentary celebrates resilience, determination, and turning life’s challenges into triumphs. Sponsored by Diane and John Abrams and Suzy and Larry Falender.
FILM SCREENINGS
Heartland Film’s Award-Winning Shorts
@ Indianapolis Arts Center (820 E. 67th St.)
A beloved film event returns, as two incredible festivals unite in one unforgettable program. Heartland Film presents a curated selection of award-winning shorts from the 2026 Indy Shorts Film Festival.
MUSICAL THEATER SNEAK PEEK
“Moses Man: Finding Home”
@ Indianapolis Arts Center (820 E. 67th St.)
Join writer Deborah Haber for a multimedia presentation about “Moses Man: Finding Home,” a powerful musical that tells the true story of her parents, Holocaust survivors who fled Vienna during Hitler’s annexation, embarking on a nine-year journey across Europe before finding refuge in America. MMFH shines a light on the past while converging with the contemporary refugee experience. In partnership with Indiana University.
COOKING DEMO, TASTING, & CHEF TALK
“Zariz: 100 Easy, Breezy, Tel Aviv-y Recipes” by Adeena Sussman
Experience the flavors of Tel Aviv with bestselling cookbook author Adeena Sussman. Featuring a cooking demo, tasting, and discussion of her new cookbook “Zariz,” this delicious event highlights easy, vibrant recipes and the rich traditions of Israeli and Jewish culinary culture.
*$36 admission, $54 includes wine & cheese reception with the author. $18 and $27 for festival passholders.
See More, Pay Less with the Festival Pass!
If you’re planning to see multiple events, you can save by purchasing a Festival Pass. Scan the QR code to get Individual Tickets or your $54 Festival Pass and attend every event.
Thanks to Our Sponsors
The Ann Katz Festival of Books & Arts is made possible with funding from the Irwin and Ann Katz Cultural Arts and Education Endowment Fund and our major festival sponsors including The Herbert Simon Family Foundation, Lilly Endowment Inc., Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation, and Katz Sapper & Miller.
Support Our Authors
Purchase books of visiting authors at our pop-up bookstore and have the authors autograph them for you.
About Irwin and Ann Katz
The Ann Katz Festival of Books and Arts is made possible with funding from the Irwin and Ann Katz Cultural Arts and Education Endowment Fund. Irwin “Irv” Katz was devoted to the JCC for more than 70 years, serving as president of the JCC board of directors at its old location from 1950-52 and again from 1958-61 during a pivotal time: its move and construction at its current location. The resulting 24,000-square-foot facility boasted meeting rooms, nursery school facilities, a gym, locker rooms, and outdoor space for summer camp.
The annual Ann Katz Festival of Books and Arts was transformed from a one-week book fair to a major cultural arts program in Indianapolis when, in the year 2000, Katz infused the festival with a significant annual contribution. At that time, the festival name was changed to honor the memory of his wife, Ann, an inveterate reader and lover of books and literature.
Friends of the Arts
Everything we do in the Arts and Education Department is made possible thanks to JCC Friends of the Arts, who – through their generous support – help us act as a strong creative force and education resource for JCC members, guests, and the Central Indiana community. As a donor, you can help serve the diverse Central Indiana community through the arts and strengthen our JCC. We need your help to ensure our JCC Arts & Education program continues to make a significant impact. If you’re interested in making a donation, please email Abby Katz at akatz@jccindy.org
Lifelong Learning Is a Core Jewish Value
The story of the Jewish people is one of freedom from tyranny and oppression. As a people, we believe that true freedom is experienced in a community’s ability to educate, to expand minds and perspectives, and to tolerate opposing ideas rooted in truth. The goal of JCC programs is to educate and inform and also to forge and strengthen partnerships.